Browsing by Author "Palokangas, Eeva"

The purpose of the study is to explore the acculturation of eating habits among Somali immigrants: What kind of acculturation happens and which factors prevent or promote the change in their eating habits. In addition, it is studied how important role food has from the perspective of the stability or change of identity. The main research question is as follows: What kind of acculturation has occurred after moving to Finland? The study had three additional questions: 1. How is acculturation reflected in eating habits and the choice of food? 2. What are the main factors that prevent or promote the change? 3. How the respondents find that the acculturation of eating habits affects their Somali identity? In this study, the model of adaptation to a new dietary pattern (Koctürk-Runefors 1991) is an important part of the theoretical framework. The data were collected in March 2017 through individual, pair, and group interviews from fourteen Somali immigrants, aged 19 to 46 years. All the interviewees were women who had lived in Finland six to twenty-six years. They were interviewed in Finnish. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed into written form. After that the data were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. According to the study, acculturation had taken place at different levels. Meal rhythm, the content of meals and choice of food had changed. The number of the meals increased in Finland. The breakfast was usually prepared by the Finnish way. If there was enough time, the breakfast would be prepared by a Somalian way. The lunch would be prepared in a Somali way if it was eaten at home. Legumes were often offered for dinner in Somalia but no longer in Finland. The religion prevented any major changes in the diet. The socio-economic status affected food choice: higher education and income level affected the choice of the food. Media, household technology and catering services promoted the change. Somali identity is strong and the identity is supported with eating habits. Food restrictions defined by religion were kept unchanged, and they did not reflect acculturation in this study.